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© KYODO12-year-old Prince Hisahito starts 1st overseas trip in Bhutan
PARO, Bhutan©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
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pacificwest
Bhutan appears to have adopted a very brave and wise tourist (and immigration policy) that has saved it from some of the excesses destroying other Asian societies.
How did that come about?
From seeing those excesses in places like Katmandu, Thailand, Bali and Cambodia?
https://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-us/tourism-policy
I can see why the relationship with Japan is a sympathetic one.
However, with respect to the “High Value, Low Impact ” policy, do you think it is impossible for less wealthy people, or people from less wealthy nations, to respect Bhutan's unique culture and values?
There's a $200 to $250 per day plus 3 star accommodation minimum daily package rule.
The regimented nature of the tours would suit typical Japanese, but I can imagine not independent tourists.
I read Bhutan's managed to defend itself against the combined armies of KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, Subway and Starbucks!
Elsewhere we are discussing the concept of social diversity. Many accuse Japan of being too homogenous a society yet Bhutan appears to have adopted a policy that protects it cultural identity.
How's it all working out for the country?
Tenzing
Some were making comments on the traditional Bhutanese dress. And also comparing it to a mix of Chinese, Korean, Japanese constumes. Let me explain
The traditional dress is called Gho for men. It is required to be worn by us Bhutanese. The dress comes from the dress of Padhmasambava also called second Buddha. He was a monk from India who spread Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan. In fact, Tibet would have never been Buddhist (and hence Mongolia never become Buddhist!) if not for Padhmasambava's persistence. The dress is similar to dresses from Tibet and older Indian costumes for Buddhist monks.
By the way welcome to the royal family from Japan. Yes Japan give us lot of assistance. I think next only to India. Most of Bhutan development due to assistance from India and Japan. We love Japan. But unfortunately recently too much China influence and land grab. China occupied a peaceful Tibet, nobody blinked an eye. It won't be long before they become powerful enough to defeat Indian protection for our country and take over us. Hope the world speaks up before that.
pacificwest
I point out Japan makes a 170% return on its investment to Bhutan, does good for Bhutan (Japanese natural disaster response technology is some of the best in the world) and, therefore, can afford to throw in a junket off the back of it ... and I get 16 negatives?
Tell me, not that I care, but what's that for ... 16 negatives for making Japan look good?
@David
Funny thing is, the separation of the Tennō and political power in Japan works really well and avoids the kind of ignoble calamities of modern politics like Trump tweeting from the presidential toilet seat, presidents being caught in flagrante delicto with porn stars and enthusing about grabbing pussy in public.
I do think Japan should use the term Tennō though, as I don't think "Emperor" in English communicates the role properly. They are not Napoleonic or Caesar-like rulers, it's just a job in PR with a little bit of academic thrown in to keep it interesting really. Was it not the last Tenno who was a bit of an expert in native seaside birds? Hope this young man finds his own niche in life.
David Harris
Crazy-just human beings-the world does not need emporers or kings/queens.
William Bjornson
Great image but who dressed Princess Kiko? Gomen nasai shikashi she looks AWFUL. That dress, even for someone with NO eye for style or even interest such as myself, my eye went right to it. It looks like a hand-me-down from a taller Queen Elizabeth, from the designers "Dowdy, Dowdy, and Archaic". Maybe it's just the contrast with that 'vision' to her right...that's not CGI, right? I wonder how the young Prince and prince trump would get along...eh but the Prince looks like a nice kid and maybe hanging around with trumps is not the best for his socialization. Just sayin'
Hawkeye
Nice photograph. Not a waste of tax payers money, this is an exercise in grooming the young prince for taking the throne down the road.
Cosmos1
Nice place to escape the heat ,
jj1067
Is that Bhutan Kimono? So beautiful just amazing! The photographer did a great job too.
Helix
Guys, if you're really that upset about the money I'm willing to refund your share out of my own pocket. IHA expenses work out to a little over ¥50 per person per year. We'll call it ¥60. Just give me an address where I should send the coins.
coskuri
Will they explain him the Buthanese ethnic cleansing (20% of population since the 1990's) ?
Sadly, he'll never live in the world. Only 11, posing in sarariman outfit for his 'private holiday'. Can't the kunaicho wait till he is 20 to put him to work ?
lostrune2
So that's what it takes for a tween to be surrounded by beautiful women, lol
alwaysspeakingwisdom
" he's too young to do anything useful."
Other than introducing the world to him and introducing him to the world.
Tony W.
The cynicism of some contributors aside, Bhutan is a nice easy place to start his royal duties. Let's hope he takes note of the care Bhutanese take to preserve their environment, and of the fact that they have a Ministry of Happiness that monitors and looks for measures to enhance its citizens' mental and physical well-being. Maybe, as he matures, the Prince will be outspoken and manage to be an influence for change. Fat chance? Well, time will tell!
Wallace Fred
With a tax increase coming, they can enjoy more free trips abroad, 1st class style. Kudos dear leader. The common taro thanks you.
spinningplates
Nice photo, but I agree with Chip Star.
Just burning our taxes, he's too young to do anything useful.
vanityofvanities
Democracy and the royal family system do not match.go
showchinmono
If Hybrid of.. is not appropriate, I would say good mixture
commanteer
Enough already. I doubt you contributed all that much to it.
goldorak
Agree, they're stunning (& so is the pic). For whatever reason I've always been a big fan of the Bhutanese royals, always! Reckon Prince Hisahito's not going to play with his legos tonight, happiest teen in the world right now.
Chip Star
The finest suit that public money can buy.
alwaysspeakingwisdom
"Amazing photos, stunning scenery"
Prince Hisahito looks really sharp in his suit.
showchinmono
Im impressed with national costume of Bhutan. Hybrid of Chinese, Japanese, Korean with beautiful red shawl
pacificwest
Japan is Bhutan's leading development partner, it has provided assistance in
agricultural and rural village development,
economic infrastructure development,
social development, and
strengthening governance throught providing scholarships.
It has provided technical cooperation worth 1093 million yen and got back about 1709 million yen in exports (small excavators, automobile, products related to automobile etc).
It's good for business.
Japanese are also one of Bhutan's primary tourist market.
Chip Star
Taxpayer money at work. What a waste.
Ganbare Japan!
Amazing photos, stunning scenery. Trip of a lifetime for the young Prince! The Bhutanese women are absolutely beautiful!